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Events for December 4, 2026

First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday. 

Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!

The Bike Library
600 W Cabarrus St - Warehouse District District
First Friday Art Night
7pm - 9pm

Join us at the Bike Library Cafe for First Friday! There will be art for sale by local artists, coffee bar open with wine and beer for a suggested donation, music by a local DJ, and vibes. Bring a friend and spread the word!

Botanical Lounge
419 Glenwood Ave - Glenwood South District
Garden Grooves
8-11 PM

Dinner & a Show every weekend. Experience intimate performances from local and touring artists. Every Friday and Saturday.

City of Raleigh Museum
220 Fayetteville St - Fayetteville Street District
Sip n Shop!
6pm - 9pm

Join us for this year's Sip N Shop on First Friday, December 4th, from 5 to 9 pm!

Shop from local vendors, sip fancy cocktails / mocktails, and enjoy live music. Hot chocolate will also be available for purchase.

Curate Raleigh
15 W Hargett St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday at Curate
6pm - 9pm

Join us at Curate on Friday December 4th from 6-9pm for a make your own candle event with Witchwood Wax! Yasmin, the maker for Witchwood Wax, will be available to help you customize your own signature candle scent, perfect for gifting or a treat for yourself. There will also be complimentary refreshments and over 45 local craft vendors to shop from. Stop by to celebrate the holidays with Curate!

Le Dive
14 W Martin St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday Flashes at Le Dive with Old Ghosts Tattoo
5pm - 10pm

Join Le Dive and Old Ghosts Tattoo for a unique experience every First Friday in Raleigh! Le Dive, teams up with Old Ghosts Tattoo for an exciting night of flash tattoos, good vibes, drinks and food and creative energy!

Leela Improv Theatre
309 N Boylan Ave - Glenwood South District
FREE First Friday Improv Jam + Open Mic
7pm - 9:30pm

Are you ready to create and connect with your improv community?

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious first-timer, this is the perfect place to jump in, have fun, and discover the joy of improv. Hosted by our skilled and experienced Leela faculty, our intention is to foster a welcoming space where improv artists of all experience levels can take risks and build community.

Whether you want to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, or just laugh your heart out, our Improv Community Jam has something for everyone. So grab your friends, bring your Yes And! attitude, and come join the FUN! Let’s play!

When: First Fridays, at 7:00 PM, on-going, monthly
Where: Leela Improv Theatre, 309 N Boylan Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603

Why Join Our Improv Jam?

* Mindful Intent: Our jams promote mutual respect, collaboration, and joyful play.
* No Experience Needed: Everyone is welcome! Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to try something new.
* Instant Fun: Jump right into games and scenes, and let your imagination run wild.
* Supportive Community: Meet fellow improv lovers, make new friends, and share the stage with people who love to play.
* FREE to Join: Register on Eventbrite (below), then show up and play!
* Dry Jam: Let’s allow improv be the mind-altering substance that brings us together. We’ll celebrate with optional drinks at nearby watering holes AFTER we jam.
* This is an 18+ event.

What to Expect:

* A warm-up session to connect with your play mates and get that energy flowing.
* A Leela host facilitating a kind, structured, and supportive jam experience.
* A chance to perform, watch, and cheer on your fellow improvisors- all experience levels welcome and encouraged (even if none!)
* Laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
* Sign-ups begin at 7 pm for solos (open mic), improv pairs, and improv groups (5+). Sign up for one, none, or all of these categories and the host will curate an evening of entertainment on the fly
* Jam goes from 7:30-9:30 pm

Neptunes Parlour
14 W Martin St - Fayetteville Street District
Late nights at Neptunes!
10pm-2am

Party at Neptunes with us late night! Dance to some of the most talented Djs in the local area! Playing house music to hip-hop, top 40's blends over the decades and everything in between!

The Raleigh Times Bar
14 E Hargett St - Fayetteville Street District
First Friday at The Times
7pm - 11pm

FIRST FRIDAYS 2026—LET’S GO!

Join us every First Friday from 7–11 PM at The Times!

What’s on deck?
- BEER
- LIVE MUSIC
- MORNING TIMES GALLERY ARTIST & VENDOR MARKET

Sunflower’s Café
1029 S Saunders St - Downtown Raleigh
ROOTS HOUSE REGGAE!!!
7pm - 10pm

It's official!! ROOTS HOUSE REGGAE starts November 6th 2026! Every 1st friday of the month, we will give you the best Reggae and House in the Triangle. Cockpit of GoodShip Sound System and Sunflower's, bring you a free event that you can bring your date, start your night off, or just enjoy the sounds and vibe for the evening. Great food and drink specials all night. Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy the vibes!

Super Rad Retro Lounge
106 Glenwood Ave - Glenwood South District
8 Free Tokens!
6pm - 9pm

Art you say? You got it! Every game at super rad has been fully restored to be time period accurate - new paint, new art, all original game hardware. These are not just arcade games, they are a throwback to another era. Come and check out our games and get 8 free tokens to try them for FREE! We know you will love them.